May 18, 2023, 7:00 pm
Via Zoom
Ilyssa Meyer, President of IND, reported that one of our State Senators, Andrew Gounardes, welcomed a new baby boy a few days ago. He will be gifted with an IND onesie,
Only one of our endorsed candidates is currently facing a competitive primary, So all IND efforts will now be focused on getting Linda Wilson elected as a Civil Court Judge. Our campaign canvassing will launch on Saturday, June 10 at Grand Army Plaza.
District Leader Aaron Ouyang discussed the recent meeting of the State Committee (District Leaders are automatic members), which was somewhat chaotic but ended on a hopeful note, with three resolutions supporting LGBTQ+, housing and mental health support being passed. Aaron also responded to a number of questions from IND members regarding the leadership of Jay Jacobs.
Jenny Tromski, representing the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Development Corporation spoke about some of the climate initiatives being implemented by the Navy Yard, specifically the “Yard Labs” project that allows small business entrepreneurs and current tenants to pilot climate innovations.
Greg Monte announced that on Wednesday,, May 24, from 3:30-6 pm, there will be a UFT rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall (as well as other rallies in each of the five boroughs) to protest the fact that UFT members have been working without a contract since September of 2022. All are welcome to join and support the rally.
Greg also announced the AIDS Walk and Asian-American Pacific Islander Parade, both of which will take place on May 21.
Susannah Pasquantonio discussed a proposed bill, supported by a local business-based group that is designed to protect healthcare, access to reproductive rights, and telemedicine. It has been passed by the NY State Senate and is being sponsored in the Assembly by Jo Anne Simon, among others. She encouraged members to call the Assembly Speaker and voice their support.
Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon provided information on the newly -passed State budget and answered questions about the budget and other policy bills. The newly passed budget provides an additional $2 billion for New Yorkers. There is a significant amount allocated for child care, with broadened criteria for State-funded child care. There is also a child tax credit for children aged 0-4 years old. There is money allocated for mental health and gun violence protection. SNY and CUNY tuition will not be increased but needed funding that would have come from the increases will be provided. There is more funding for access to abortion and for the LGBTQ+ community. There is also significant funding for environmental concerns and for transportation.
Judicial Candidate Linda Wilson thanked IND for the Club’s support in the form of an endorsement and petition support.
The IND annual fundraiser will be a brunch this year and will take place on September 10. Save the date!
Bridget Farrell reported that her husband, Seamus’s father, is doing well and thanked everyone for their good wishes during his illness.